FAQs

Will I receive notification from SJI that my application was received?

You will receive notification through the mail that your application was received. You can expect a response from our Administrative Services Department in approximately 14 days.

What if there are no immediate opportunities available?

You will receive notification if no immediate opportunities are available, however, your information will remain in our Supplier Diversity database for one year. If you desire to continue business pursuits with SJI after this time period, please forward a copy of your certification and any company updates to Administrative Services. It is also your responsibility to provide updates throughout the year if any information changes within your company.

What criteria does SJI use in selecting a minority supplier?

To be eligible to participate in the Supplier Diversity program at SJI, a business must be at least 51 percent owned, operated, and controlled by a minority, woman, or service-disabled veteran. In addition, your business must be certified with one of the agencies listed on this website.

What is certification?

Certification is the process by which an organization verifies, using a combination of screening interviews, site visits, and capability studies, that a business is owned by a minority, woman, or a person with a disability. Click here to see the list of agencies from whom SJI accepts certification.

Is certification required to do business with SJI as a diversity supplier?

Yes, SJI requires that diversity suppliers be certified. SJI does NOT accept self-certification. We encourage diversity suppliers to obtain certification from a recognized organization. Moreover, SJI does not perform its own accreditation procedures.

Does certification guarantee my ability to conduct business with SJI?

No, certification does not guarantee a business opportunity with SJI. Certification is used for identification and routing purposes.

Who buys my specific product or service and how can I contact them?

The role of Administrative Services is to assist in matching diversity suppliers with the right buyer. In order to aid diversity suppliers in SJI’s purchasing process, Administrative Services tries to accurately match vendors with the appropriate department or business unit. Once there is a need or requirement, you will be given contact information on the buyer of your product or service.